Cobra Gold 2013 is in its 32nd iteration and was designed to advance regional security by exercising a robust multilateral force from nations sharing common goals and security commitments in the Asia-Pacific region.

Participants from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps totaling more than 9,500 personnel worked together with service members from the Kingdom of Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Republic of Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia during the exercise.

“During CG 13, we conducted training vital to maintaining the readiness and cooperation of the U.S. and our allies,” said Lt. Emily Royse, operations officer, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) ELEVEN. “The ability to work hand-in-hand with our partner nations is paramount to ensure effective response to regional crises, should they occur.”

Cobra Gold was a multi-faceted exercise, which included a staff exercise bringing together a multinational force planning team to plan the response to a complex problem.

Other events included a senior leader seminar and a senior enlisted team building event allowing information sharing and relationship building between key leaders from partner nations. In addition, six humanitarian and civil assistance projects, including engineering civic action programs, cooperative health engagement events and a medical symposium were also included.

The 31st MEU participated alongside joint and multinational service members in a variety of field training exercises that included an amphibious assault, a small boat raid, a helicopter raid, a non-combatant evacuation operation and a combined arms live-fire exercise in addition to numerous other unit level training.

“The training that we have both received and shared with our counterparts strengthens our understanding of each others’ unique tactics and techniques,” said Capt. Ben Van Zytveld, 31st MEU lead Cobra Gold planner. “Our working relationship with partner nations during CG 13 and its previous iterations will go a long way in ensuring that we are well prepared to assist our allies in the region when needed.”

Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Technology 2017

After last year’s huge success the SMi Group is proud to announce the 2nd Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Technology. The event will be held in Rome on the 30th and 31st of January 2017.

Based on the success of the 2016 conference, we aim to replicate and improve by providing a more regional focus, not just on the Mediterranean, but other areas of interest including the Black Sea and further beyond in the Asia Pacific region. All of which have keen collective interest on ensuring the safety and security of legitimate maritime activities.

This high level meeting will bring together senior military leadership, project decision makers, technical experts and cutting edge industry solution providers to explore future endeavours that will enhance the security and stability of the world’s oceans.

The 2017 programme will:

Provide a wider regional focus outside of the Mediterranean where challenges are also persistent

Feature high ranking military personnel involved with the enhancement of maritime surveillance platforms and systems

Present a running theme on the importance of information sharing as operations are increasingly conducted at an international level

Include Informal networking time to talk to peers and colleagues also shaping and influencing Maritime ISR programs today

Allow learning on how other nations are developing their maritime surveillance and reconnaissance provision from past experience and cutting edge research and development

Get to the heart of challenges faced by modern maritime forces such as capability gaps and what requirements they now have